In January, 2007, when Bishop Robinson Cavalcanti visited those parishes in the Pacific North-West that had placed themselves under his episcopal jurisdiction, considerable discussion took place concerning the missional activity of the church. It was agreed by all those present that we live in unprecedented times that call for innovative strategies in order move ministry forward. Church planting will require the deployment of competently trained and responsible individuals but not necessarily limited to those with formal theological education.

The Diocese of Recife, because of its own challenges in ministry, is no stranger to envisioning different means by which the Gospel can be advanced and the pastoral ministry of the Church undertaken. Canon 24 of the Diocese details the process to be used in raising up Deacons and Priests for shared ministry under continuing supervision of a Rector.

St. Stephen's Anglican Church in Oak Harbor serves the Diocese of Recife and its parishes in the Pacific North-West as a center for training individuals for such ministry as outlined above. Four candidates are presently in the process leading towards ordination to the diaconate, with ordination to the priesthood scheduled for sometime during the summer of 2008.

The course covers a reasonably intensive survey of the Bible, Dogmatics, Church History, Liturgy, Ethics, Anglican Theology, Spirituality and Missiology as well as study in comparative Anglicanism over a one year period. Utilizing modern communications technology, seminars are conducted weekly hosting candidates from as far away as Spokane and Bremerton. Additional study following ordination will focus on Leadership and Practical Ministry Matters.

Interested persons should contact the Rector for more information.